Parking blunder row

Val Mason, of Norborough Road, Wheatley is angry that a parking bay space has been put across the front of her driveway. Picture: Andrew Roe

A pensioner fears she could become a prisoner in her own home after council workers painted a parking bay across her driveway.

Val Mason, 75, is furious that the bay is blocking her own driveway despite raising the problem months ago with Doncaster Council.

Mrs Mason, of Norborough Road, Wheatley, uses her car on a daily basis and relies on it to carry out her church warden work.

She said: “I have been in touched with the council constantly since the parking scheme was announced to flag this up.

“I couldn’t believe it when the workmen just turned up and started painted the bay right outside my driveway.

“I was really angry about it. It’s like talking to yourself trying to get through to them.

“The council said no one would park there once they saw the driveway but if there’s a parking bay of course they will.

“They advised me to ring the police if anyone did park there and they would be moved on but it’s a bit late by that point.

“I’m worried I’ll be a prisoner in my own home. I rely on the car to get out and about.

“Sometimes with my church warden work I get a phone call at short notice so I need access to my car.

“There’s just no common sense.”

Mrs Mason and other residents on the street had been in favour of a residents parking permit system after experiencing problems with visitors and staff from Doncaster Royal Infirmary park on the street.

Director of Regeneration and Environment Peter Dale said: “For many years, concerns have been raised about all day parking associated with the hospital in nearby residential areas.

“After detailed consultation on potential options to help with this situation, a residents’ priority parking scheme is currently being introduced, which will remove all day parking by non-residents and therefore free up valuable road space for residents themselves.